The Uruguay forward is accused of biting Italy's Ciorgio Chiellini on the shoulder about 80 minutes into the match as the scoreline stood at nil all. Moments later skipper Diego Godin scored to take Uruguay into the round of 16 with a 1-0 win.

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Suarez faces possible disciplinary action after FIFA announced it would investigate the alleged bite. But Twitter's peanut gallery has not reserved judgment, laying into Suarez will equal measures of shock, outrage and customary wit.

Many viewers were angry Suarez had not been sent off immediately. Chiellini drew attention to the bite marks by peeling back his shirt and protesting loudly to the referee, but no action was taken. After the match he told media: "It was ridiculous not to send Suarez off. It is clear, clear-cut."

When it comes to biting, Suarez has form. He got his teeth sunk into Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic last April, for which he received a 10-match ban. In 2010, he was banned for seven matches and fined by his then club Ajax after biting PSV Eindhoven's Otman Bakkal.

In a pre-cup "players to watch" piece, satirical news site The Onion had listed Suarez's strengths as: "Knows racial slurs in nine languages; sharp molars in lower jaw; obliviousness to social norms and basic human decency allows him to really focus on playing soccer."

Seriously Luis Suarez!! Stop bloody biting people!! You're a world class player but ruin that reputation by being a top class bell end.

The response from commentators and sports officials has been bruising. The UK Telegraph ran a headline urging FIFA to "ban this monster", and sports writer Jim White said the incident was self-destructive and shows Suarez "needs help". Guardian sports writer Paolo Bandini said Suarez's third bite was "disappointing" and would cost him dearly.

FIFA vice-president Jim Boyce said the incident will be investigated but it seemed Suarez's actions had left him open to "severe criticism".

There were, however, at least a few who were prepared to look on the bright side.

Thank you @luis16suarez for your actions. This has taken the focus off the shambolic England performance durin this world cup. #getsomehelp

And there were several people who profited from the bizarre Suarez action. It was reported that online gambling site Betsson took 167 bets on Suarez biting a player at the World Cup, at the odds of 175-1. The biggest payout was $3300 (US) to a canny Norwegian.